Barbie: Epic Road Trip is an animated interactive movie released on October 25, 2022, in the United States. Directed by Conrad Helten and written by Ann Austen and Aury Wallington, this film offers a unique blend of adventure and decision-making, allowing viewers to influence the storyline. The movie is a continuation of Barbie’s adventures, bringing new and exciting elements to the beloved character’s journey.
Cast
- Director: Conrad Helten
- Writers: Ann Austen, Aury Wallington, Ruth Handler (uncredited)
- Production Companies: Mainframe Studios, Mattel Television
Plot
In Barbie: Epic Road Trip, Barbie hits the road with her friends Skipper and Ken on a cross-country adventure. What makes this movie stand out is its interactive format—you get to make choices that shape Barbie’s journey. From picking their next destination to helping Barbie decide her future, your decisions matter. It’s a fun and personal way to experience the movie, and with multiple possible endings, each watch can turn out differently.
The storyline follows Barbie as she faces different challenges and exciting opportunities during the road trip. At the heart of the adventure, Barbie has to decide which dream to follow—whether it’s pursuing a music career, diving into the tech world, or something else entirely. The choices are up to you, making every viewing a bit unique.
Trailer
What Viewers Are Saying
Positive Reviews
Some viewers loved the interactive format. The chance to control the story was a big hit, giving fans a personalized experience. According to Common Sense Media, “the way the movie lets you decide how Barbie’s relationship with Ken plays out was also a highlight.”
Critical Reviews
On the flip side, not everyone was thrilled. Some felt the pacing dragged at times, and a few reviews pointed out that the characters felt a little underdeveloped. A review on Letterboxd mentioned that the minimalism in the story and some stereotypical portrayals pulled down the enjoyment for them.
Behind the Scenes
The team behind Barbie: Epic Road Trip includes director Conrad Helten and writers Ann Austen and Aury Wallington, with production by Mainframe Studios and Mattel Television. The animation quality is top-notch, as expected from these studios.
One fun feature is the animated blooper reel that plays during the end credits. It’s a quirky, behind-the-scenes look at the characters goofing up during takes, adding a playful touch to the whole experience.
Conclusion
Barbie: Epic Road Trip offers a refreshing take on the classic Barbie franchise by incorporating an interactive format that allows viewers to influence the story. While the movie has received mixed reviews, its unique approach to storytelling and the engaging dynamics between characters make it a noteworthy addition to the Barbie universe. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Barbie or new to her adventures, this film provides an entertaining and personalized experience that encourages multiple viewings to explore all possible outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the release date of Barbie: Epic Road Trip?
The movie was released on October 25, 2022, in the United States.
Who directed Barbie: Epic Road Trip?
The movie was directed by Conrad Helten.
What is the interactive element of the movie?
The interactive format allows viewers to make decisions that influence the storyline, leading to multiple possible endings.
Is Barbie: Epic Road Trip connected to other Barbie movies?
While the movie takes place after Barbie: It Takes Two, it primarily references episodes from Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures and other Netflix movies, rather than directly continuing the previous storyline.
How long is the movie?
The runtime of Barbie: Epic Road Trip is 36 minutes.